Author: Summit Blogger

Winter time, often comes with the temptation for kids to snuggle up to their gadgets and indulge way too much screen time; therefore, take deliberate steps to build them a winter routine that includes plenty of physical activity. Below are listed 5 great ways to keep your child active this winter.

  • Physically-Engaging Video Games

One severe strain on modern parenting the excessive timeframe children tend to spend on their screen.  A video game that allows the full-body have active controls, will ensure they have the much needed physical activity while also satisfying their’ gaming excitement.

Modern game systems create avenues for kids to mimic some activities performed while playing certain sports like bowling or tennis, which allows them to exercise their coordination and release some energy.

  • Explore the Skating Rink or A Bowling Center

Winter is just the season for skating on ice or wheels in metro Detroit. Kids enjoy skating a lot and it is a great way to burn off calories. Many local skating rinks even offer passes for frequent visits.

Another fantastic activity is bowling as it gives the opportunity for moving around socializing with friends.Your child might even be interested in a bowling league for added structure and competition.

  • Swimming

The metro Detroit area has many indoor pools available for full use during these winter months. Swimming is a perfect full body workout and kids of all ages and skill levels can participate. This is a sure fire way to wear your children out when outside activities are not an option.

  • Scavenger Hunts

If you have a large group of kids, a scavenger hunt is a terrific indoor activity to try out with them. Just split them up into different teams, giving the various teams a number of activities to carry-out or items to collect. Make flexible game rules, and let them compete to know how many of the listed items the different team will collect within the given time frame.

  • Mini Golf In Your Home

Affordable and inexpensive, plastic kid-sized golf clubs are a perfect addition to your winter activity toolbelt. Adding a number of plastic cups to the golf club will give your kids fresh targets to aim for and keep them excited and active for very long hours.

Congratulations on starting a new school year! We know you are excited to join your classmates in making this a successful year in your academic career and we have high expectations for all of you.

It is our sincere hope that those of you who are new to Summit Academy will quickly find your place in our family and discover the unique benefits we offer. Our staff is looking forward to getting to know you and we hope that you will make the most of the learning opportunities, the assistance, the friendships, and the once in a lifetime experiences found at Summit Academy.

Returning students will be able to build on the confidence and strength you have gained during your time with us. We promise to keep challenging you and finding new ways to inspire you to reach your goals now and in the future. We encourage you to push yourselves out of your comfort zones this year and find new ways to grow personally. If you have not done so, find a club, program, or sport that interests you and go for it. Remember that we are always here to help guide you in your endeavors.

Parents, thank you for preparing your child for a new school year. You are such a significant part of their journey and a necessary part of the Summit Academy family. Be sure to stay connected with us this year and to use the tools available to you to monitor your child’s progress. Together, we can all make this a year to remember.

Welcome back, Dragons!

Congratulations on starting a new school year! We know you are excited to join your classmates in making this a successful year in your academic career and we have high expectations for all of you.

It is our sincere hope that those of you who are new to Summit Academy will quickly find your place in our family and discover the unique benefits we offer. Our staff is looking forward to getting to know you and we hope that you will make the most of the learning opportunities, the assistance, the friendships, and the once in a lifetime experiences found at Summit Academy.

Returning students will be able to build on the confidence and strength you have gained during your time with us. We promise to keep challenging you and finding new ways to inspire you to reach your goals now and in the future. We encourage you to push yourselves out of your comfort zones this year and find new ways to grow personally. If you have not done so, find a club, program, or sport that interests you and go for it. Remember that we are always here to help guide you in your endeavors.

Parents, thank you for preparing your child for a new school year. You are such a significant part of their journey and a necessary part of the Summit Academy family. Be sure to stay connected with us this year and to use the tools available to you to monitor your child’s progress. Together, we can all make this a year to remember.

Welcome back, Dragons!

 

As August approaches, you may be looking to squeeze in those last few day trips in the remaining weeks of summer vacation.

Before you resort to your usual destinations, branch out and look into these 3 little known Metro Detroit gems you may have missed

  • The Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit) – Let your family discover the beauty of the outdoors inside this breathtaking building. The Outdoor Adventure Center gives visitors a taste of the northern Michigan experience with hands-on learning activities and simulators.  Whether you want to hike, fish, or simply learn more about the DNR, the OAC is worth a closer look.

 

  • Star Jaycee Park (Royal Oak) – Even smaller parks in the Metro Detroit area are filled with unique treasures. The miniature trains of Star Jaycee Park are sure to catch your eye, especially if you have little ones.  These trains are not just for show; you and your child can ride these little steamers for a small donation of your choice. Be sure to check the train schedule before planning your trip.

 

  • Gabriel Richard Park – Enjoy the fresh air with a visit to one of the best parks along Detroit’s river front. Gabriel Richard Park will help you and your family take in the beauty within Detroit while you appreciate the plush flower and butterfly gardens. Enjoy a lunch or snack in one of the pavilions, and even plan a fishing trip. One visit to this park will remind you just how much you love Metro Detroit.

Already visited one of these spots? Share your experience with other parents on our Facebook page.

After much consideration, you’ve decided that you want your child to attend a charter school in the metro Detroit area. Now comes the hard part; choosing which charter school will best meet your child’s needs.

All Charter School are not Created Equal

There are many advantages that charter schools have over public school options. Still, each charter school is different and will vary greatly in what they can offer to your child. Take the time to look at reviews of the charter schools based in metro Detroit to see what other parents are saying. Social media is a wonderful resource to also provide you with insight from current students of the school.

What to Look For

Ultimately, you are the only one who knows the needs of your child and your family. Are you looking for a curriculum change? Was your child being bullied at their last school? Really think about why you want your child to attend a charter school and make sure the schools you are looking at match those values.

Some other things you will want to consider are:

  • Graduation rate
  • College acceptance rate
  • Technology available to students
  • Special learning programs offered
  • Extracurricular activities offered

Your child’s learning environment plays a large role in their academic success. Always take the opportunity to visit each location for yourself and never be afraid to ask questions. No matter what metro Detroit charter school you select for your child, be sure that it is the best fit for you and your child.

As fidget spinners continue to grow in popularity, they might have made their way onto your child’s back to school wish list. However, the effectiveness of these fidget toys have been hotly debated by teachers and parents alike.  Ultimately, schools and parents are left with one question; should fidget spinners be allowed in the classroom.

Distracting or Focus Enhancing?

Many kids play with devices, doodle, or somehow occupy their hands during class.  Sitting still is difficult for all of us at times, but especially for school age children whose minds often wander or begin daydreaming instead of paying attention in class. As a solution to this, the fidget spinner is said to help children focus better by giving their hands something to do without encouraging further distractions. Yet, while some agree that it works, others argue that it causes more disruption to their learning and can even cause other children to lose focus in class.

A Toy or a Tool?

Part of the reason fidget spinners are being talked about on a school level is due to the phenomenal demand it has created from kids and adults. Adults use it at work as a way of preventing idleness and consider it a useful tool.  Still, as it becomes mass produced in a variety of colors and styles, the fidget spinner may be seen as more of a desirable toy than a remedy for distraction.  If you are thinking of purchasing one for your child, ask them what they think it is to be used for and how it will help them. Their answer should give you an idea of how it will be used.

Has your child been asking for a fidget spinner? Do you think they should be allowed in the classroom? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page!

There is a lot of family fun to be had in the Detroit Metro area this coming week. Here are our top picks for some true summer entertainment.

Explore Wild Summer Nights at the Detroit Zoo

The long days of summer means more time for you to run wild at the zoo. On Wednesday evenings in July and August, the Detroit Zoo remains open until 8 PM and hosts concerts for all to enjoy.

https://visitdetroit.com/event/wild-summer-nights/

Visit the Civil Rights Exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Art

The Art of Rebellion: Black Art of the Civil Rights Movement features 34 paintings, sculptures, and photographs created by black artists in the 1960s and 1970s. Through their work, these artists attempted to address social and political issues that focused on racial injustice. This piece of history can help you and your family reflect on the changes in the Detroit area and the country.

https://visitdetroit.com/event/art-rebellion-black-art-civil-rights-movement/

Take a break at Summerfest

There are few better ways to relax with your family than by listening to an outdoor concert or watching a movie while enjoying local food. Summer at the War Memorial provides live music and entertainment for all members of your family. Pack a picnic or try some of fare from vendors featured at the festival.

http://www.warmemorial.org/summerfest/

 

The 4th of July is only a few days away. Instead of heading out to the store to for your festive decor, check out these crafts that will get you and your children into the Independence Day spirit.

If your child is not heading into their junior or senior year, visiting colleges this summer may be the last thing on your to-do list. Yet, visiting colleges early can be incredibly beneficial for parents and students. How so?

Get a feel for the Campus

No matter how great of a program a school has or how well regarded it is, if your child does not like the campus or feel comfortable there, it will not be a good fit. Many students know what schools they would like to attend as early as middle school, but they may only know what they have read or heard about them. Taking them to visit each contender as early as possible will allow them to narrow down their selection and have a clear goal in mind. As a parent, you will also feel more comfortable in their selection after experiencing the campus with them.

Receive Guidance First Hand

Is your child interested in certain programs offered by a college? Planning a visit can give them the opportunity to speak with someone in that program and ask any questions they may have. Maybe there are classes they can take at the high school level that will help them in their undergraduate. They may also receive advice on places where they can gain experience prior to college. An in person will offer you and your child perspective that simply can’t be gained from a brochure or website.

Every student attending Summit Academy knows that it is never too early to be college ready. Make the most of your summer and start planning trips with your child to their dream college.

It may be tempting to toss all books aside during summer break, but your child’s reading habits should not take a vacation. Before that novel gets traded for a beach ball, take a look at these 5 reasons to hit the books this summer.

  1. Reading will improve vocabulary and comprehension. – Kids learn new words and concepts through reading. No matter what grade your child is headed towards, building their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills will greatly benefit them.
  2. It will keep their minds working. – Many students fall into a slump over the summer and they may not receive the same mental stimulation they receive during the school year. Reading with them each day over the summer is a great way to get them thinking and to put their imagination to use.
  3. Their communication skills will improve. – Good readers become good communicators. A pattern of regular reading this summer is sure to help your child with both verbal and written communication skills in the fall.
  4. Libraries have awesome summer reading programs. – In addition to fantastic book lists, your local library may even have prizes for parents and kids who participate in their summer reading programs. These programs are a great way to make reading fun for your child.
  5. It will give them a jump start on the next year. – Summer break may be just about here, but before you know it school will be back in session. Keeping your child’s mind fresh by reading with them each day will allow them to dive into the school year without missing a beat.


Summit Academy Achieves Highest Graduation Rate Among Michigan Charters
North High School the only charter school in state’s top 50

 

ROMULUS, MI — Summit Academy North High School has the highest graduation rate among charter schools in Michigan, according to new state data released last week.

MLive.com parsed the data and ranked the top 50 Michigan high schools by graduation rate during the 2015-2016 school year. Summit Academy checked in at No. 17 with a graduation rate of 98.58% — nearly 20% better than the state average of 79.65%.

Summit Academy North is the only charter school in the Top 50. Additionally, it’s one of just three schools in Wayne County overall.

“This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and a testament to the culture we’ve created here,” said Leann Hedke, Superintendent of Summit Academy. “Our staff takes tremendous pride in fostering a learning environment that works for every one of our students, and prepares them for success both before and after graduation.”

If you graduate from a Summit Academy school, you’re almost certainly going to have a chance to further your education. In each of the past five years, every single Summit Academy North and Summit Academy Flat Rock graduate has been accepted into college. And last year alone, 150 students received at least one scholarship offer.

“We are universally committed to ensuring that every single one of our students not only graduates, but is accepted into college and earns a college scholarship,” said Hedke. “We have a number of programs in place to support students in these endeavors, so they have the best possible chance at reaching their respective goals.”

In addition to a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, Summit Academy’s exemplary graduation and college acceptance rates can be attributed to factors like its comprehensive STEAM curriculum, small classroom sizes, and partnerships with companies like zSpace, a 3D Lab that empowers learning through virtual reality.

To learn more about Summit Academy, contact Superintendent Leann Hedke at lhedke@summit-academy.com.